ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — So much for all of those accusing Randy Moss of quitting. Same thing for anyone wondering whether the New England Patriots are vulnerable this season.
A week after being accused of giving up by Carolina defenders, Moss bounced back with five catches for 70 yards and a touchdown in a 17-10 win Sunday over the Bills.
Tully Banta-Cain anchored a banged-up Pats defense with three sacks in a victory that lacked style points but accomplished what’s most important by inching the AFC East-leading Patriots (9-5) closer to clinching a playoff berth.
New England moved two wins ahead of both Miami and the New York Jets after both division rivals lost. Buffalo has lost 13 in a row to New England.
Leave it to Moss to sum up the victory with a defiant statement.
“You all did your talking, now let me do mine,” Moss said in addressing reporters for the first time this week; he had one catch for 16 yards in a 20-10 win over Carolina last Sunday. “I’ve been in this league 12 years, and I’ve been through a lot. And these shoulders that I have on my body, you can put the Earth on it. So just to let you know, I bounced back. I appreciate it.”
Moss then left the podium without taking questions.
Tom Brady never had any doubts regarding the receiver.
“He came out and showed what kind of character he has,” said Brady, who finished 11-of-23 for a season-worst 115 yards. “He’s a very competitive guy. The way he played today, he made some tough catches in traffic.”
The Patriots built a 17-3 lead through three quarters and then hung on to win for the 18th time in 19 meetings with the Bills. In the process, New England improved its road record to 2-5, with its only other away victory a 35-7 win over Tampa Bay at London’s Wembley Stadium in October.
The Bills (5-9) were mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, capping a decade of futility. They’ll miss the playoffs for a 10th straight season, tied with Detroit for the longest active drought.
